Mitt Romney has broken his post election silence to blame his defeat on Barack
Obama's policy of bestowing "gifts" on Hispanics, black people and
the young.

The former presidential contender's call from beyond the political grave was immediately condemned by fellow Republicans, who will need those same voters to have any chance of eventually reclaiming the White House.

Mr Romney's gaffe was made in an all-too-familiar setting as he addressed wealthy donors on a conference call, apparently unaware that reporters were also listening.

"The Obama campaign was following the old playbook of giving a lot of stuff to groups that they hoped they could get to vote for them," Mr Romney said, specifically listing "the African American community, the Hispanic community and young people".

He complained that for the youth "forgiveness of college loan interest was a big gift", while Hispanics had been wooed with the promise that children of illegal immigrants would not deported and black voters were won over by "free health care".

The 65-year-old added that "free contraceptives were very big with young, college-aged women" as he explained why he lost female voters by 11 points.

Mr Romney's frank analysis in front of a small audience of millionaires echoed his secretly-filmed claim that "47 per cent" of the country would automatically back the President because they were dependent on government welfare.

Republicans quickly turned on their former candidate, with Bobby Jindal, the Governor of Louisiana, rejecting the remarks as "absolutely wrong".

"We have got to stop dividing American voters. We need to go after 100 per cent of the votes, not 53 per cent," said Mr Jindal, a one-time contender to be Mr Romney's running mate.

The governor, whose parents are immigrants from India, said that one of the "fundamental takeaways" of the Republicans' defeat was that the party needed to stop being seen as the party of the wealthy.

Anna Navarro, a prominent Latina Republican strategist, said she was "livid", tweeting: "As if he didn't alienate Hispanics enough while running! Look in mirror, Mitt".

Mr Romney has not spoken in public since last week's election and hinted on the conference call that he was still struggling to come terms with his defeat. "We're still so troubled by the past, it's hard to put together our plans for the future," he said.

The former private equity executive and his wife, Ann, have retreated to their home outside Boston, readjusting to life without battalions of political aides and the constant presence of the Secret Service.

In his victory speech in Chicago, the President said he planned to meet with Mr Romney to discuss areas where they could work together. However in a press conference on Wednesday, Mr Obama admitted "we haven't scheduled something yet".

Many doubt that the two men, who fought one of the most negative campaigns in recent history, will be able to co-operate in any meaningful way.

Mr Romney also confirmed once again that would not be making a third run for the presidency.

The White House rejected Mr Romney's remarks, with Jay Carney, the Press Secretary, saying his "view of the American people and the election is at odds with the truth of what happened last week."